Checklist for Emergency Water Damage Restoration

It’s estimated that 14,000 homes in the United States will be affected by water damage each day. Even though this is a relatively common occurrence, it’s not something that most people expect to happen. 

However, it’s incredibly detrimental when it does. In addition to creating a huge mess initially, homeowners must also be concerned with secondary water damage, such as rot, mold, or mildew. 

In order to preserve the integrity of a home as much as possible, it’s important that homeowners familiarize themselves with steps for dealing with water damage. The following checklist should serve as a guide for emergency water damage restoration.

Identify the Source of the Water 

At the first sign of standing water, the top priority should always be to identify the source so that it can be addressed. In some instances, this may be easier said than done. Hidden water damage is often difficult to spot because it is within the walls, ceiling, or floors. 

Other sources might be more obvious but harder to stop. For example, floods from heavy rain may be beyond a homeowner’s control even though they can clearly identify the source. If it is possible to safely walk around the home, homeowners should see if they can locate the pipe, appliance, or another source. If not, a phone call to a professional may have to happen sooner rather than later.

Prevent Further Damage

After the culprit has been located, it’s time to stop it. This step may look as easy as turning off the main water supply line to the house, or it could require some temporary construction to board up holes from storm damage. The latter would be better handled by a restoration company. They have experience with using tarps and other tools to cover up broken windows, holes in roofs, and more.

As part of mitigating the spread of water damage, homeowners should also remove what furniture they can. The more that can be spared from the water, the better. If the extent of water is severe enough, the contents may need to be removed from the property completely. 

Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company

At the very latest, an emergency water damage restoration crew should be contacted once the home has been secured. In many cases, it’s recommended that they be called sooner, so it’s important to find a company that offers 24/7 emergency services. 

As soon as the water damage experts arrive on the scene, they begin to assess the damage. Not only will they repair the cause of the damage, but they will also work to mitigate secondary water damage. They are able to do this by creating a personalized approach for restoring the home to its pre-loss condition. 

Extract Standing Water

Regardless of how the plan is customized, emergency water damage restoration always includes water extraction. This process is best left to professionals because they have the tools and training to get it done quickly and efficiently. In fact, their heavy-duty pumps and wet/dry vacuums expedite the process of removing standing water. The average homeowner simply can’t do the same.

Remove All Moisture

Next, the team of contractors will bring in their commercial fans and industrial-grade dehumidifiers. With this equipment, they can remove every drop of moisture from the home so that there is no risk of mold growing in the furniture, flooring, or vents. This process may take as little as a few hours or several days, depending on the severity of the water damage. 

Inspect for Mold

Finally, the professional water damage crews will thoroughly inspect the home to ensure that there is no mold. They will also take the time to check their work and make sure that all repairs were done properly. 

It’s important to leave this step to the pros because mold can grow in just 24 hours. Unfortunately, it may be hard to spot. With their specialized equipment, restoration crews can check moisture levels and look at problem areas to make sure that there isn’t any growth. If mold is spotted, the emergency water damage restoration company can typically provide mold remediation solutions as well. 

Move Back In

After the all-clear has been given, homeowners can finally move everything back into their houses. If the contents were removed and cleaned by the restoration company, their professionals could handle this step. The homeowner might not even have to lift a finger. 

Find out More About How to Deal with Sump Pump Flooded Basements 

As soon as you notice water damage in your home, contact ABC Damage Restoration. We are available 24/7 to help with emergency water damage restoration, so call us right away. You can also submit our online form to request a free quote.